EU Sanctions Russia Over “ghost Fleet” Oil Tankers

BRUSSELS (AP)⁤ — ⁢The European‍ Union on Tuesday imposed a 17th round of sanctions against Russia, ⁣targeting a fleet of oil tankers allegedly used ‍to⁤ circumvent existing restrictions‍ on Russian oil exports. Kaja Kallas, head of European diplomacy, announced⁣ the new measures.

“The EU approved ‍its seventeenth pack of sanctions ‍against Russia,which aims at nearly 200 ships in its ghost ‍fleet,” ⁢Kallas wrote on X,formerly Twitter,during a meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels. “Other sanctions against ⁢Russia⁢ are in preparation. The more Russia ⁢waged war, the more severe⁢ our response,” she added.

The‍ package, under discussion for several ‍weeks, specifically⁣ targets 189 ships and approximately 30 entities suspected of⁢ aiding ‍Russia in evading previously implemented sanctions. According‍ to a press release from‍ the EU,a total of 342 ships are now subject to sanctions.

Estonian defense Minister Hanno Pevkur estimated the number ⁢of sanctioned ships on Tuesday,suggesting the EU could further expand its sanctions. Negotiations for an 18th set of measures are ⁢already underway. These measures ‍are separate from those being considered should Moscow reject a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, as demanded‍ by Ukraine’s ‍Western allies.

In a related move, the EU also adopted sanctions on Tuesday in response to alleged‍ “hybrid” attacks attributed to Russia. These measures, which include asset freezes and travel bans within⁣ the EU, target 21 individuals⁤ and⁣ six entities.

## EU Sanctions ‍Russia Over “Ghost Fleet” Oil Tankers: A Q&A Guide

Here’s a breakdown⁢ of the latest EU sanctions against⁤ Russia,presented in a ⁤question-and-answer‍ format to give ⁤you a clear ⁢understanding of the situation.

### What’s the Latest?

#### What happened?

The European Union (EU) imposed its 17th round of⁢ sanctions against Russia. The primary focus of these new measures is targeting a “ghost fleet” ⁢of oil tankers.

#### who announced the⁣ new sanctions?

Kaja Kallas, the ⁣head of european diplomacy, announced the sanctions.

#### Why did the EU impose these sanctions?

The sanctions aim to crack down on Russia’s ability to circumvent existing restrictions on oil exports. They are a direct response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. According to Kaja kallas, ⁢”The more Russia waged war, the more severe our ⁤response.”

### Understanding the “Ghost Fleet”

#### What is⁤ a “ghost fleet” of oil tankers?

The provided article ‍states⁤ the sanctions ⁤target oil tankers⁢ allegedly used to circumvent existing restrictions on Russian oil exports.The term “ghost fleet”⁣ itself is used to describe these tankers, without further information. It can be inferred that this is a colloquial term.

#### How many‍ ships are targeted in ‍this latest‍ round of sanctions?

This round of sanctions targets approximately⁣ 189 ships. And ‍according to the EU,a total of 342 ships are now subject to sanctions.

#### What is the purpose of these oil tankers?

The⁤ article suggests these⁤ tankers are being used to help Russia continue exporting oil despite existing sanctions.

### Scope and Details of the Sanctions

#### What specific entities‍ are targeted by the sanctions?

In addition to ships, the sanctions target approximately 30 entities suspected of helping Russia evade previous sanctions.

#### What other types of sanctions are being considered?

The article states‍ that other ⁢sanctions are in planning. ⁤Negotiations for an 18th set of ‍measures are already underway.

#### Are these sanctions related to the conflict in‍ Ukraine?

Absolutely. These⁢ sanctions are⁣ a direct response to Russia’s war. They are also separate from those being⁢ considered should Moscow reject a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.

#### What other actions were taken in this round⁣ of sanctions?

Along with the oil tanker sanctions, the EU adopted measures relating to alleged “hybrid” attacks attributed ⁢to⁤ Russia. These actions include asset freezes and travel bans within the EU,affecting 21 individuals and six entities.

### The⁤ Bigger Picture and Future actions

#### Is ther a chance of additional sanctions?

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur suggested the EU could further expand its sanctions.

#### What is the overall goal of these sanctions?

The overall goal of the sanctions⁣ is ⁢to restrict Russia’s ability to finance the war⁤ in⁣ Ukraine and to pressure Russia to change its behavior.

#### What specific measures have been implemented?

here’s a summary ⁢table of the measures implemented.

Type of⁤ Sanction	Target	Specifics
Oil Tankers	Approx. 189 ships (part of 342 total)	Targeted for circumventing oil export restrictions.
Entities	Approx. 30	Suspected of aiding Russia in evading sanctions.
“hybrid” Attacks	21 individuals & 6 entities	Asset freezes and travel bans within the EU.